How Roger Federer is helping Ben Shelton from behind the scenes at Wimbledon as American chases Grand Slam glory

Ben Shelton is making waves at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, reaching the fourth round with some stellar performances on the court. While his skill and determination have played a significant role in his success, he also attributes part of it to none other than tennis legend Roger Federer.

The 22-year-old kicked off his Wimbledon campaign by defeating Alex Bolt in the opening round, followed by a convincing win over Rinky Hijikata. He then went on to defeat Marton Fucsovics to secure a spot in the fourth round. As one of only two American men left in the tournament, alongside Taylor Fritz, Shelton is proving himself as a rising star in the world of tennis.

During a press conference after his victory over Fucsovics, Shelton had high praise for his fellow American players, particularly highlighting Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe for their tactical acumen on the court. He commended Fritz for his analytical approach to the game, noting his ability to make quick adjustments during matches. Similarly, he lauded Tiafoe for his decision-making skills under pressure.

However, it was Shelton’s interactions with Roger Federer that left the biggest impression on him. The American spoke highly of Federer’s deep understanding of the sport, his ability to simplify complex tactics, and his unwavering passion for tennis. Shelton revealed that each conversation with Federer provided valuable insights that he could apply to his own game.

Shelton and Federer have a longstanding connection, with the American previously being represented by Team8, the agency co-founded by Federer. Although their professional relationship ended earlier this year, Shelton remains sponsored by ON, the Swiss apparel and footwear brand closely associated with Federer. It was Federer himself who played a pivotal role in bringing Shelton on board with the brand.

Looking ahead, Shelton is set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the fourth round of Wimbledon. The two players have met four times before, with Shelton holding a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head matchups. With his sights set on capturing his first Grand Slam title, Shelton is feeling confident and motivated, especially with his family and girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, cheering him on from the stands.

Having matched his best Wimbledon result by reaching the fourth round once again, Shelton is determined to go even further this year. If he secures a win against Sonego, he could potentially join Taylor Fritz as the only American man in the quarterfinals of the tournament. With his talent, determination, and the wisdom gleaned from legends like Federer, Ben Shelton is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of tennis.